Press Release
March 4, 2019

HONTIVEROS TO LAUNCH HEALTH CARAVAN TO PROMOTE EXPANDED MATERNITY LEAVE LAW, VACCINATION

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros is set to launch a national health caravan targeting different workplaces and communities to promote the recently signed Expanded Maternity Leave Law in time for the anticipated release of the measure's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) this May.

Dubbed as the "Healthy Pinoy, Healthy 'Pinas Caravan," Hontiveros said that it will be a nationwide information campaign on how the new 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law will benefit women and their families, and even employers.

"Through the caravan, we hope to spread awareness and appreciation for this law among the public, and dispel misplaced fears and misconceptions spread by a few about the measure. Adequate information is key to ensure that this landmark law is fully implemented and availed of by all women and our families," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, said that they will also hold dialogues with different employers on how they can fully implement the measure.

"The law was carefully crafted to strike a balance between women's rights and the right to be compensated in business. In the final analysis, the measure is also pro-business as it will create a more motivated and productive labor force," Hontiveros explained.

"Promoting vaccination, combating pseudo science"

Meanwhile, Hontiveros said that her health caravan will also target specific communities to promote vaccination for children, in light of the recent outbreak of preventable diseases such as measles in the country.

"We will not allow pseudo science and scaremongering to erode the public's trust in our vaccination programs. Through a strong grassroots information drive, we will rebuild the people's confidence in our vaccination programs and double efforts towards greater vaccination coverage, especially in urban poor localities and far-flung areas where children are prone to preventable diseases," the Senator said.

Hontiveros said that her office plans to tap key government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH) and the Social Security System (SSS) to help in the said health caravan.

News Latest News Feed